A groundbreaking study from Turkey provides the first evidence of COVID vaccines’ temporary effects on corneal health. Tracking patients before and after vaccination, scientists detected a slight “stress response” in the corneal endothelium – the eye’s critical clear layer.
Key findings include:
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Corneal thickness increased by 14 micrometers (about 2%)
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Endothelial cell count dropped from 2,597 to 2,378 cells/mm²
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Cell shape regularity decreased by 2%
Ophthalmologist Dr. Emre Toker cautions: “These changes are clinically insignificant for healthy eyes but highlight why patients with pre-existing corneal conditions need specialized care when considering vaccination.” The research team emphasizes these effects appear temporary and shouldn’t outweigh vaccination benefits.
